Jean-Pierre Papin: 'Montpellier miss Olivier Giroud'

Former French international striker and Ballon d'Or winner Jean-Pierre Papin has insisted that Montpellier's early-season struggles are down to the absence of Olivier Giroud.

Montpellier stunned France by winning Ligue 1 last season, pipping big-spending rivals Paris-Saint Germain to the title with Giroud starring in attack.

Papin believes that Rene Girard's side lack a consistent goal threat after selling Giroud to Arsenal during the close season.

He said: "When [Giroud] played, their teammates felt more secure.

"Other teams do not fear Montpellier anymore. They no longer fear that a guy will come along and change everything.

"The players change, but they are not pure goalscorers. They score from time to time, but not in every game [like Giroud]."

Montpellier currently sit bottom of Group B in their debut Champions League campaign and need a result against Olympiakos tonight to keep their slim qualification hopes alive.